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Our Yale summit was pretty uneventful, which is a good thing. Thanks to CFI, there is a great trail to follow. And, luckily, we had awesome weather.

We started out at the Denny Creek trailhead after camping at the Collegiate Peaks Camping Area Saturday night. It was a cold night. Poor Lola was too cold to sleep well, which made for an interesting night (we have a two person tent in which we squish two people and one 75-lb dog).

So, the lack of sleep made for a late start. We hit the trail at 9am, planning to summit in about three hours.

The trail winds through the forest for a while. It’s pretty, with lots of Aspens mixed in with the evergreens.

The steepest/slowest part was the shoulder leading up to the saddle. We took several breathing breaks (no sitting, just breathing).

And, before we knew it, we hit the saddle. From the saddle to the top, I’d say it took us another 20-30 minutes before summiting. It was slow going, but nothing too technical. Lola was a champ.

Obligatory summit shot.

There were several storm clouds off in the distance. Nothing seemed to be threatening Yale, but you never know. So, we booked it back down.

Great hike! I like when they’re uneventful and go as planned!

After today, we’ve now climbed 30 14ers and we’ve finished both the Front and Sawatch Ranges. Woo hoo!

How cool, thanks for the report and pics. I plan on climbing Yale next week for my 30th Colorado 14er too, weather permitting. Antero and the completion of the Sawatch range will have to wait until next year.

Yale seems like a more enjoyable climb than many of its neighbors with the possible exception of Harvard?

@anasarca76 - indeed, bring on the new ranges. I'm actually excited for a change of scenery. And I LOVE how pretty the San Juans are.

@dpwellington - thanks! And an early congrats on 30 to you as well! Hope you enjoy Yale. We thought it was easy, but that was comparing it to our two previous summitts (Longs and Castle). I'd say it's a pretty standard Sawatch hike, and comprable to its neighbors. But, yes, I'd say Harvard is a bit tougher because of the distance. Anyway, enjoy!

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